Methodists of Jamestown, NC, have had an interesting history as they followed an Old Testament pledge (1 Kings 5:5) “to build a house unto the name of the Lord our God.”  In 1819, when the Methodists did not have a church of their own, they worshiped in a little building (still standing) belonging, at the time to the Society of Friends, in the City Lake area, which was known as an “Indulged Meeting House.” Many changes have occurred in the location of the church buildings, in the leadership, in the ministers, and in the membership of the congregation.  The one hundred eighty-seven (187) years of history have indicated that each group of people involved has been dedicated to God and dedicated to worship, meeting spiritual and physical needs and interests of the people, as well as being glad when they could come “into the House of the Lord.”

With spirits high and wills constant, the first known Jamestown Methodist Church was built in 1838, in what is known as “Old Jamestown.”  It is recorded that Dr. N.D. Wilson preached his first sermon in the grove of the church “soon after it was built.”  Thirty-two years later he returned to serve as pastor while Jamestown Methodist Church was part of the Guilford circuit, made up of fifteen to twenty congregations.

By 1860, due to the coming of the railroad, a village developed around and near the Depot/Railroad station, known as “New Jamestown,” which had a population of approximately one hundred fifty (150) people.  There was no church building so the Flint Hill School, built in 1858, was used as a place of worship.  This school was located where the present sanctuary now stands.  Later the Methodists were permitted to use the Presbyterian Church, which was built nearby.  This arrangement continued until 1889, when the Methodists constructed their own church in “New Jamestown” on its present site.  It is said that some of the original planks from the 1838 “Old Jamestown” frame building were used in the new frame Methodist Church.  This church building with additions made from time to time, continued in use until Sunday afternoon, January 31, 1926, when tragedy struck, and the building was totally destroyed by fire. Undaunted in spirit and pride, the people made immediate plans to rebuild their church.  The congregation was permitted to use the Jamestown Public School as a place of worship while the church was being rebuilt.  As a result of their indomitable courage and perseverance, the Jamestown Methodist congregation worshiped in “their splendid new edifice,” a handsome brick structure, that same year on Sunday, December 19, 1926.  Reverend J.E. Womack was the pastor on the momentous occasion. Through sacrifice and love of God, the church was dedicated on July 7, 1929, during the pastorate of Reverend Robert E. Hunt.

As the community grew, so did the congregation meeting, each other’s needs and interests. In 1947, the church building was completely redecorated, and a Hammond organ was presented to the church while Paxton T. Dixon was pastor.  Later, in 1958, two additional classrooms were built in the basement of the church.  Two years later, plans for a new Educational Building were approved by the congregation on September 11, 1960, with Pastor Clark Benson. This building was completed in 1962 and dedicated in 1964 with Reverend Paschal Waugh as leader. As the congregation membership grew to 651, a need for a new sanctuary became apparent. Plans submitted by the appointed building committee were approved by a church conference on Sunday, June 2, 1968, led by pastor Frank B. Cook. The new sanctuary and additional education spaces were completed in time for Easter Services on April 11, 1971, with Donald Bridger as pastor.  All indebtedness was paid by September 14, 1984.  The dedication service was held December 9, 1984, with Thomas Cassady as pastor.  This was the first phase of a three-part building project to be completed as needs and growth determined.

As membership increased to 1,191, there was a need for activities and programs to accommodate interests and age levels.  Under the pastorate of Jack B. Yarborough, a long-range planning committee was appointed and approved by the administrative board.  Two years were spent developing the plans with regard to the physical facilities and programs of the church.  A building committee was named to implement the recommendations of the long-range planning committee who had also presented its report to the charge conference, which was duly approved.  Plans for the improved facilities and financial arrangements were presented and approved by the District Board of Church Property and Location on April 10, 1986.  A called Church Conference with Dr. Walter McKelvey, District Superintendent presiding, announced the authorization for the requested additions and alterations to the church building on April 13, 1986.  Construction began in the fall of that year.

With construction costs totaling approximately one million dollars, the outstanding improvements were made to the buildings and grounds. The existing two-story Education building and the kitchen were renovated.  Two large rooms for youth activities were built in the basement of the larger Fellowship Hall.  Choir rooms, administrative offices, a church parlor, and a conference room were added and some rooms were rearranged for more suitable use.  Other improvements included landscaping and renovating the Thrift Store.

By the time the construction on the Jamestown United Methodist Church campus was completed in December 1987, the membership had climbed to 1,350 persons. On Sunday, January 3, 1988, a consecration service, led by Reverend Jack Yarborough gave “testimony to the endless splendor and wonder of God though Jesus Christ.”  Thus, the second phase of the plan was accomplished.

In 1989, Pastor Yarborough reactivated the Building Committee to make plans to enlarge the Sanctuary in order to solve the overcrowding situation.  Extensive preparation, financial and constructive designs, were approved by the Charge Conference June 17, 1992, led by pastor Richard Howle.  The Administrative Board and Building Committee approved the new design to the sanctuary in the fall of 1992.  Construction began January 25, 1993, and was ready for occupancy July 23, 1993. A homecoming and consecration service for the renovated sanctuary was held on September 12, 1993 led by Pastor Richard Howle.

Addendum:

• A new pipe organ was installed in 1996.
• In 1999, plans were drawn up for two new educational wings and the Columbarium.  Construction was completed in 2003.
• What began as a small handful of Methodists worshiping together in a borrowed building has grown to a membership of over 1,900. (Of course, we grew to be much bigger but this is where we are now.)